On Hearing of Enoch's Murder – a poem by Ruhiyyih Khanum, 17 September 1979

The sunlight is blackThe sunlight is blackWhat raven wingCovered my sun at noonday?

In my mouth is the salt of tearsI cannot swallow so much salt . . .

Blood is so beautifulBlood is so pureWhy do the people let bloodRun in the street?

So long it tookTo make this manNoble and goodHis mind and his soulExpanded like sunlightAt noonday.

Why did you kill him?Are you pleased at this riddled shell,This mangle of bone and flesh?Did you think your deed in the darkWas a bright light?

Everything is pulsing,Throbbing and throbbing!There is no answerAnd the sunlight is black.

Go Enoch go!Go to Musa on the hillGo to your MasterGo to your GuardianGo to the Kingdom of Light!

But ask not of usNor of your peopleWho have plucked a sinBig enough and dark enoughTo blot out the noonday sun!

Woe to Africa!Weep as you have not wept before,Weep on your knees,Weep your eyes blind,You have murdered Abu'l-Futuh,The Father of Victories is deadAt your hand, at your hand!Your jewelled crownPlaced by God on your headIs rolled into the grave-Weep, weep, weep your heart away. (The Baha’i World, 1979-1983)